2012 Candidate Survey 10 24 12 by Mimi Schott

2012 Candidate Survey on Viral Hepatitis

10/4/2012

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Arizona Stephen Dolgos (I) U.S. House of Representatives - Arizona, District 8…………………………………………...…………..7 Raul M. Grijalva (D) US House of Representatives - Arizona District 3………………………………………………...……….9 Joe Pamelia (L) U.S. House of Representatives – Arizona, District 4…………………………………….………………..11 Ed Pastor (D) U.S. House of Representatives – Arizona, District 7…………………………………………………...…13 California Michael M. Honda (D) U.S. House of Representatives - California, District 15………………………………………………..…15 Doris Matsui (D) U.S. House of Representatives - District 13………………………………………………..……….……17 David Secor (D) U.S. House of Representatives – California, District 50…………………………………………….…....19 Marilyn Singleton (I) U.S. House of Representatives – District 13………………………………………………….……..…….21 Florida Jonathan Michael Snow (D) U.S. House of Representatives – Florida, District 12……………………………………………………..25 H. D. Werder (D) U.S. House of Representatives - Florida, District 11…………………………………………………….27 Georgia Jeff Kazanow U.S. House of Representatives - Georgia, District 6………………………………………….…………..29 Illinois Danny K. Davis (D) U.S. House of Representatives – Illinois, District 7………………………………………………………30 William "Bill" Enyart (D) U.S. House of Representatives – Illinois, District 12……………………………………………….….…32 Indiana Andrew Horning (L) US Senate, Indiana……………………………………………………………………………….…....…..33 2

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Joe Ruiz (L) U.S. House of Representatives – Indiana, District 2……………………………………….….….….…....35 Kentucky Kenneth Stepp (D) U.S. House of Representatives - Kentucky, District 5……………………………………….…………..37 Louisiana Caleb Trotter (L) US House of Representatives - Louisiana, District 2……………………………….….………………….39 Maryland John LaFerla (D) U.S. House of Representatives – Maryland, District 1……………………………………………………41 Dutch Ruppersberger (D) U.S. House of Representatives – Maryland, District 2……………………………………………………43 Elijah Cummings (D) U.S. House of Representatives – Maryland, District 7……………………………………………………45 Massachusetts Joe Selvaggi (R) U.S. House of Representatives - Massachusetts, District A-08…………………………………………..47 Michigan Scotty Boman (L) U.S. Senate – Michigan, District 7………………………………………………………………..……….49 Minnesota Tim Davis (Grassroots) U.S. Senate – District 7……………………………………………………………………………………52 Missouri Jim Evans (D) U.S. House of Representatives – Missouri, District 7…………………………………………………….54 Thomas Holbrook (L) U.S. House of Representatives – Missouri, District 4…………………………………………………….56 Bill Slantz U.S. House of Representatives, Missouri - District 2…………………………………………………….57 Anatol Zorikova (Constitution) 3

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS U.S. House of Representatives, Missouri - District 2………………………………………………….….60 New Hampshire Carol Shea-Porter (D) U.S. House of Representatives – New Hampshire, District 1……………………………………..………62 New York Colin Beaven U.S. House of Representatives – New York, District 8…………………………….……………………..63 Jerrold Nadler (D) U.S. House of Representatives – New York, District 10………………………………………………….65 North Carolina Brian Irving (L) U.S. House of Representatives - North Carolina, District 2……………………………….…….………..67 Elisabeth Motsinger (D) U.S. House of Representatives - North Carolina, District 5……………………………….…….………..68 Ohio Bob Fitrakis (Green) U.S. House of Representatives - Ohio, District 3…………………………………………………………70 Sean Stipe (L) U.S. House of Representatives - Ohio, District 9…………………………………………………………71 Oklahoma Michael G. Fulks (I) U.S. House of Representatives - Oklahoma, District 2……………………………………………………72 Pennsylvania Mike Koffenberger (L) U.S. House of Representatives – Pennsylvania, District 4………………………………………..………73 Rhode Island Jim Langevin (D) United States House of Representatives (Rhode Island, 2 nd District)……………………………………..75 South Carolina Gloria Bronll Tinubu (D) U. S. Senate, South Carolina, District 7 ……….……………….…………………………………………77 Tennessee Brandon Stewart (I) US Congress House of Representatives - Tennessee, District 2……….………………………………….78 Brad Straats (R) 4

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS U.S. Senate – Tennessee, District 5…………………………………….…………………………………80 Texas Jeffrey C. Blunt (L) US House of Representatives - Texas, District 23…………………………………….…………………..81 James Cargas (D) US House of Representatives – Texas, District 7 ……………………………..…………………………82 Candace Duval (D) U.S. House of Representatives - Texas, District 21 ………………………..….………………………….85 Ben Easton (L) U.S. House of Representatives - Texas, District 17 ………………………..….………………………….86 Ethan Garofolo (L) U.S. House of Representatives - Texas, District 31…………………………...…………………………..89 William Hayward (R) U.S. House of Representatives, Texas, District 28……………………..…………………………………91 Seth Hollist (L) US House of Representatives – Texas, District 32……………………..…………………………………93 Max Martin (D) U.S. House of Representatives - Texas, District 36 ……………….…………………………..………….95 Dr. Shirley J. McKellar (D) U.S. House of Representatives - Texas, District 36 ……………….…………………………..………….97 Kesha Rogers (D) U.S. House of Representatives – Texas, District 22…………………………………………..……….….99 Tim Rusk (D) U.S. House of Representative, Texas District 24……………………………….…………..……………102 Jim Wielder (L) U.S. House of Representative, Texas District 9 ……………………………….………………………...104 Utah Joseph Andrade (I) U.S. House of Representatives- Utah, District 2 …………………………………………….……..…...106 Soren Simonsen U.S. House of Representatives- Utah, District 3 …………………………………………….……..…...108 Vermont 5

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Andre LaFramboise (L) U.S. House of Representatives, Vermont, At Large…………………………………………..…………110 Laurel LaFramboise (I) US Senate, Vermont – At Large ………………………………………………………………..……….110

Virginia Mark Gibson (I) US House of Representatives – Virginia, District 11……………………………………………………113 James P. "Jim" Moran (D) US House of Representatives – Virginia, District 8……………………………………………….…….115 Gail Parker (Green) U.S. House of Representatives – Virginia, District 1……………………………………………………116 Washington Michael G. Fulks U.S. House of Representatives - Washington, District 4...………………………………………………118 Dick Muri (R) U.S. House of Representatives - Washington, District 10………………………………….……………120 Dan Matthews (R) U.S. House of Representatives – Washington, District 10 ………………………………….…………..122

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: Stephen Dolgos 2. Office candidate is seeking: U.S. House of Representatives, Arizona District 8 3. Contact person: Stephen Dolgos 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 48412 N. Black Canyon Hwy, PMB 208 City - New River State - AZ Zip Code - 85087 5. Phone number: 623-428-9745 6. Email address: dolgosforcongress@gmail.com 7. Campaign website: www.dolgosforcongress.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Decreased Explain: - I have absolutely no problem with suggesting that the CDC utilize the funding that they are receiving towards viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations to a greater extent than they currently do. With that being said, I see that the economic frailty of the United States will be addressed only through across the board spending cuts throughout all programs within the federal government. 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nation’s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? No Additional funding of any program needs to currently be put on hold while we get our economic house in order. 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? No The “Obamacare” legislation was built in such a way to expand access with very little consideration to managing cost. I believe that if we can manage cost, expansion of access will be an outgrowth of that success. 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose I support the legalization of all recreational drugs. I believe that with the increased competition within a legalized free market will make the need of a syringe exchange program to be unnecessary. In a true competitive and open market place, a responsible vendor would provide a syringe as part of their offerings.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Stephen Dolgos (continued) 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: I would absolutely support any revenue neutral approaches to end the hepatitis B and C epidemics. 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. N/A

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Name of candidate: Raul M. Grijalva 2. Office candidate is seeking: US House of Representatives, Arizona District 3 3. Contact person: Amy Emerick Clerkin 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - PO Box 1242 City - Tucson State - AZ Zip Code â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 85702 5. Phone number: 520-629-0050 6. Email address: amy@standwithraul.com 7. Campaign website: www.standwithraul.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Increased Explain: - I have supported and requested increased funding for the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) within the CDC to the amount of $34.7 million for FY2013. I believe this increase in extremely warranted as viral hepatitis mortality rates have dramatically increased in the United States. It kills 15,000 people each year and is the leading cause of liver cancer. We must get ahead of this fight and work now on more testing, education and prevention. 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes I have supported this legislation in the strongest form possibly by adding my name as a proud co-sponsor to the legislation. 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Raul M. Grijalva (continued) 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? I believe it is absolutely essential to give HHS the resources and support to make this plan successful. That means having Members of Congress that are not afraid to stand up and say this is a worth while effort and we should invest in it. It is important to argue the economic benefits of working towards a solution instead of having individuals that will ignore the benefits of such investments. Additionally, as minorities represent a group of individuals that are disproportionately effected, I will work with my colleagues and members of the community to promote the importance of culturally sensitive responses. The fact that minorities are less likely to be tested and receive anti-viral treatments needs to change. 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. No Response

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: Joe Pamelia 2. Office candidate is seeking: U.S. House of Representatives, District 4, Arizona 3. Contact person: Tony Ritti, Chair Committee to Elect Joe Pamelia Joe Pamelia, Candidate 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - Box 1022 City - Prescott State - AZ Zip Code â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 86302 5. Phone number: 858-201-9179 6. Email address: weresavingamerica@gmail.com 7. Campaign website: http://www.weresavingamerica.org 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Increased 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes Please see my position under REFORM HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS: http://www.weresavingamerica.org/issues 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Support If we put more jobs in people's hands, drug use will go down. The NAFTA and CAFTA and H1-B Visa Programs have destroyed our middle class. They are despondent and are giving up by using drugs. 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: I would review in-depth the Action Plan and make sure Taxpayer money was being set aside for Programs that address the epidemic situation

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Joe Pamelia (continued) 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. I would modify NAFTA and CAFTA and H1-B Visa Programs, bringing back manufacturing and the related jobs that come with them. The jobs that USED to be here and have gone offshore, just so corporations can put MORE money in their coffers and pockets, and deny Americans a livelihood.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: Ed Pastor 2. Office candidate is seeking: US House of Representatives AZ-07 3. Contact person: Jose Rivas 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - P.O. BOX 1978 City - PHOENIX State - AZ Zip Code â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 85001 5. Phone number: 602-277-2012 6. Email address: INFO@EDPASTOR.COM 7. Campaign website: WWW.EDPASTOR.COM 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Increased 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? 13

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Ed Pastor (continued) Comments: ENSURE ITS FUNDING TO IMPLEMENT ITS ACCOMMODATIONS. 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. No Response

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: Honorable Michael M. Honda 2. Office candidate is seeking: U.S. House of Representatives (CA-17) 3. Contact person: Mark Nakamoto, Campaign Coordinator (mark@mikehonda.com) 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - P.O. Box 110188 City - Campbell State - CA Zip Code â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 95011 5. Phone number: (408) 641-1717 6. Email address: mike@mikehonda.com 7. Campaign website: http://www.mikehonda.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Increased 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: I have championed the understanding and prevention of viral hepatitis throughout my career in Congress because I intimately understand the devastating impact that it is having in communities across our nation. I have personally worked with Dr. Howard Koh and his team at the Department of Health and Human Services on the development of the Action Plan and on its implementation. As Founder and co-Chair of the Congressional Hepatitis Caucus, I will continue to educate my colleagues on this deadly disease, host briefings, push for legislation and appropriations, and educate the broader public on the need for a public response to Hepatitis.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Honorable Michael M. Honda (continued) 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. I commend NVHR for the fantastic work they have done on hepatitis issues. My office has worked closely with many representatives from NVHR over the years and I am proud to call them a strong partner in the fight against Hepatitis.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Name of candidate: Doris Matsui Office candidate is seeking: House of Representatives, District 6 Contact person: Address, city, state, zip Phone number: Email address: Sacramento4Doris@gmail.com Campaign website: 1. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $19.7 million with another $10 million from the Prevention and Public Health Fund. DVH needs at least $59.8 million to expand viral hepatitis testing, support the Adult Viral Hepatitis Prevention Coordinators and create a comprehensive education and surveillance system to effectively combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. Will you support increased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Yes XXX No Unsure Explain: 2. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes XXX No Unsure Explain: 3. If fully implemented, the Affordable Care Act offers opportunities to expand hepatitis B and C testing, care, and treatment services. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes XXX No Unsure Explain

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Doris Matsui (continued) 4. Syringe exchange programs have been scientifically proven to reduce hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV infections. In 2009, Congress lifted the ban on federal funding for syringe exchange programs, but reinstated the ban in 2011. Doris Matsui (continued) Do you support eliminating the federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Yes XXX No Unsure Explain 5. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html) . The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Prevention is the best way to combat epidemics. It is essential that Congress continue to support funding toward prevention and education. It is also important that we make certain individuals remain in care. 6. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. Funding, research and education is the only way we will ever get ahead of these diseases. As a member of Congress since 2005 I have been a supporter of federal funding for programs like the syringe exchange and others. I was also instrumental in the inclusion of the Prevention and Public Health Fund in the Affordable Care Act. We can only make true progress with a greater emphasis on prevention and education.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: David Secor 2. Office candidate is seeking: U.S. House of Representatives (CA D-50) 3. Contact person: Same 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 317 Scenic Drive City - El Cajon State - Ca Zip Code â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 92021 5. Phone number: 619-588-9348 6. Email address: David@DavidSecorforCongress.co 7. Campaign website: DavidSecorforCongress.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Increased 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes Until we enact universal healthcare 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? 19

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

David Secor (continued) Comments: I support the HHS plan and to the degree it needs adequate funding, I would vote for that appropriation. 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. Proper treatment, programs for education and prevention, needle exchange programs, and funding for same, are all important to me. My office will be open to interested parties.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Name of candidate: Marilyn M. Singleton Office candidate is seeking: House of Representatives, California 13 Contact person: Dan Brown Address, city, state, zip: P.O. Box 2767, Oakland, CA 94602 Phone number: 510-421-5800 Email address: Marilyn@SingletonForCongress.com Campaign website: www.SingletonForCongress.org I have received so many of these surveys from groups who want to enlarge their piece of the federal pie. As a physician and future policymaker, I am more than happy to respond to these important issues. 1. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $19.7 million with another $10 million from the Prevention and Public Health Fund. DVH needs at least $59.8 million to expand viral hepatitis testing, support the Adult Viral Hepatitis Prevention Coordinators and create a comprehensive education and surveillance system to effectively combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. Will you support increased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Yes, but during such hard economic times, I do not think I can support funding the full request of $59.8 million. Explain: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act includes hepatitis vaccination and screening of pregnant women as a preventive service which insurers must cover with no cost-sharing. Medicaid coverage will soon follow. This would free up funds needed to ensure that adequate funds go to facilities focusing on CDC implementation guidelines, i.e., STD clinics, HIV/AIDS clinics, clinics that target men having sex with men, drug abuse treatment centers, and correctional facilities. The Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program would continue to serve adults without insurance. Pursuant to Question #2, below, the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2012 could be a source of funding directly to pubic and nonprofit private entities, including the State and public-private partnerships. Finally, there are several organizations dedicated to educating the public about hepatitis. These include the Asian Liver Center at Stanford, the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease, and the American Medical Association. Why not pool resources? The above-mentioned suggestions would decrease the amount that the CDC would need to increase its budget. 2. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes. Explain: I balanced my knowledge of these diseases and their consequences with my commitment to our responsible use of federal tax dollars. Supporting testing is a medically and fiscally sound 21

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Marilyn M. Singleton (continued) approach. This has been demonstrated by extensive studies in Israel. The screening and vaccination costs are outweighed by the public health and cost savings, i.e., lower cost of work absences, Marilyn M. Singleton (continued) reduction in the use of health resources, fewer hepatocellular carcinoma cases and liver transplants, and ultimately, the benefits of decreased mortality. 3. If fully implemented, the Affordable Care Act offers opportunities to expand hepatitis B and C testing, care, and treatment services. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Partially. Explain: See Question #1 regarding hepatitis. I included some brief thoughts below. While having some reservations about the Affordable Care Act, I applaud, among other things, (i) evidence-based preventive services, (ii) insurability of all children, (iii) the improvement of Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage), and (iv) the expansion of 1996's Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) provisions and regulations regarding guaranteed renewability and the expansion of the prohibition of group policy pre-existing condition exclusion to individual policies. The Exchanges will potentially offer a one-stop shop for coverage choices. The more choice the better, as this increases competition, lowers cost, and increases quality among physicians. However, I would have preferred that the focus of all coverage were on personal ownership of insurance policies, rather than having the policies tied to the employer. As a physician, I am concerned about certain aspects of the ACA. I have concerns about patient privacy and the security of medical records held by the National Coordinator of Electronic Health Records. I would not like to see new cost-effective standards and the government’s “best clinical practices” change the "art of medicine" into cookbook medicine. Any federal guidelines should be those formulated by the relevant medical societies. Further, over-reliance on stark data from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute could take away the freedom of doctors and patients to decide for themselves on courses of treatment. Although statutorily prohibited from “rationing”, in its attempt to limit Medicare costs, the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) could recommend withholding payment for certain drugs, devices and procedures. This would merely perpetuate a two-tiered system when those who can afford the innovative treatments will receive them and others will not. I would like to see provisions that reduce the cost of delivering care while maintaining patients' choice of physicians and insurance plans. We cannot allow the costs of services to continue to escalate. Ideas include (i) transparency of pricing to empower consumer choice, (ii) healthy competition among doctors for price and quality, (iii) malpractice reform to decrease the costs of defensive medicine, (iv) an increased variety of insurance products offering a wide range of coverage and co-payment options, and (v) innovative medical care delivery models that give consumers flexibility, and portability. Additionally, we should permit individuals to deduct the cost of insurance or use Medical Savings Account funds to pay for premiums.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Marilyn M. Singleton (continued) Finally, in the spirit of prudent spending, I would like to see duplicative boards and commissions be consolidated. The funds saved could be used for more worthy endeavors.

4. Syringe exchange programs have been scientifically proven to reduce hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV infections. In 2009, Congress lifted the ban on federal funding for syringe exchange programs, but reinstated the ban in 2011. Do you support eliminating the federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Yes, with a proviso. Explain: Because drug laws vary from State to State, I think funds should only be given by grants to the States to administer and devise their programs as appropriate. I initially worried that syringe exchange programs would be a tacit acceptance of drug use by the federal government. It is now clear from experience that the syringe exchange is an opportunity to provide many other social and medical services. Such services include HIV and hepatitis testing and vaccinations, safer sex education, rehabilitation programs, and even general medical care. 5. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html) . The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Voting for The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 is a start. A law has full force and effect and ensures compliance. The ACA’s emphasis on maternal and neonatal vaccinations is paramount, as the infant would otherwise require a lifetime of care. Major health insurance carriers will cover screening and vaccinations for proven categories of “at-risk” persons, including adults and adolescents. I am a physician with a commitment to responsible use of federal tax dollars. Thus, I have the credibility to convince my future colleagues in Congress who may want to strip funding from hepatitis programs, that in the short and long run, it makes good economic sense to address the issue now. I would have the health providers in Congress sponsor live and/or internet town hall meetings with local medical societies. Physicians would jump at the chance to speak with their congresspersons about various healthcare issues. At the same time, the Action Plan would be presented by a peer who has been in the trenches, not someone they may perceive as an academic who has never had the practical experience of administering “hands on” medical care to patients. Public awareness campaigns similar to those encouraging HIV testing, including outreach to nonEnglish-speaking communities, will reach many of the more responsible populace. Unfortunately, many in the at-risk population are the least likely to seek medical attention. This is where needle exchange programs may bring intravenous drug users to the preventive care table.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Marilyn M. Singleton (continued) Community outreach should also focus on the dangers of tattoos. Studies have shown a significant association of having one or more tattoos and Hepatitis C. Tattoos are becoming so popular with teens and particularly among gang members – who are clearly are not too health-conscious. There should be specific programs to educate teens of the necessity of going to licensed shops to get tattoos and body piercings. 6. Please tell us anything else you’d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. I worked at the Chinese free clinic and the Haight-Ashbury free clinic in medical school and was aware of the pervasiveness of hepatitis in these disparate communities. As an anesthesiologist, I was constantly in contact with blood. We started the “glove club” in 1978 when health personnel were not appropriately concerned with contact with human secretions. Not willing to wait for the recombinant vaccine, I was first in line for the plasma-derived Heptavax ®. As noted in Question #5 above, physicians are more likely to listen to a fellow physician. Many health care providers have misconceptions about who may have conditions generally associated with drug use and/or multiple sexual partners. In the 1990s, physicians were shocked that upper middle class women were turning up HIV positive. Medical schools will have to remodel the curriculum for the 21st Century. Early education will shape medical students’ behavior as practitioners. Specific continuing education courses for health care providers can focus on hepatitis and the “at-risk” population. Then the providers must educate their patients. The patients will likely agree to their physicians’ recommendations regarding screening and vaccination. In a positive development, allopathic medicine has begun to focus on disease prevention rather than only attempting to cure a disease. More studies indicate that the majority of medical conditions can be avoided by behavioral changes. Such behavioral changes include aggressive evidence-based drug prevention programs beginning in the pre-teen years. Such programs also promote an overall healthy lifestyle, including staying in school and avoiding risky sexual behaviors.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: Jonathan Michael Snow 2. Office candidate is seeking: U.S. House of Representatives 3. Contact person: Jonathan Michael Snow 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - P.O. Box 1775 City - Tarpon Springs State - FL Zip Code â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 34688 5. Phone number: (727)505-3440 6. Email address: snowforcongress@gmail.com 7. Campaign website: www.snowforcongress.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Increased 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: Increased funding for research, education, prevention, vaccination, testing, and treatment. The hepatitis B and C epidemics can be addressed as long as federal, state, and local government agencies work together and receive any and all support they request of elected officials. I pledge to act on every reasonable request within my power if elected to Congress.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Jonathan Michael Snow (continued) 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. I look forward to working your organization and everyone who is serious about addressing the epidemics of hepatitis B and C. Together, we can make a difference!

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: WERDER; H.D. 2. Office candidate is seeking: 11th US Congressional Dist. FLA 3. Contact person: Dave 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 18419 Whitacre Circle City - Hudson State - Florida Zip Code - 34667 5. Phone number: Message # 727-862-3377 6. Email address: manyteapots@hotmail.com 7. Campaign website: www.Werder4UScongress.blogspot.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. . Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Unsure 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Unsure

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS WERDER; H.D. (continued) 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Unsure Would like to see federal hospital program, and all americans having access to healthcare...without the need to have insurance companies involved. 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Unsure 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html) . The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? No Response 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. Shortened my uncles life.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: Jeff Kazanow 2. Office candidate is seeking: GA 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 3. Contact person: Jeff Kazanow 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 1670 Riverwatch Ct City - Kennesaw State - GA Zip Code – 30152 5. Phone number: 6786406199 6. Email address: jeff@kazanowFOR CONGRESS.com 7. Campaign website: WWW.kazanowFOR CONGRESS.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Increased Explain: - iT IS MUCH CHEAPER TO PREVENT IT THAN TO TREAT IT. MY MOTHER DIED FROM THE CONSEQUENCES OF HEP C 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nation’s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? FUNDING IT..... 13. Please tell us anything else you’d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. MY MOTHER DIED 5 YEARS AGO AFTER FIGHTING THE DISEASE FOR 17 YEARS. SHE BECAME INFECTED IN A HOSPITAL, SHE HAD A LOT OF SPIRIT, IT SLOWED HER DOWN, BUT IT DID NT=OT STOP HER UNTIL THE LAST YEAR.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

1. Name of candidate: Danny K. Davis 2. Office candidate is seeking: Representative in Congress (IL07) 3. Contact person: Ira Cohen 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 5641 W. Division City - Chicago State - Illinois Zip Code â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 60651 5. Phone number: 773-626-8481 6. Email address: danny.davis@davisforcongress.us 7. Campaign website: www.dannykdavis.com/ 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. . Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Increased 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Support 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? 30

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Danny K. Davis (continued) Comments: Creating and/or supporting community based organization for outreach and education Ensure that every American has access to quality, affordable health care Providing drug treatment on demand Supporting expanded research on Hepatitis 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. No Response

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

1. Name of candidate: William "Bill" Enyart 2. Office candidate is seeking: U.S. House of Representatives - Illinois 12 3. Contact person: Jason Bresler 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 225 E. Main St. City - Belleville State - IL Zip Code – 62222 5. Phone number: (618)233-2012 6. Email address: enyart4congress@gmail.com 7. Campaign website: www.enyartforcongress2012.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Same 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nation’s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Unsure 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? No Response 13. Please tell us anything else you’d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. No Response 32

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Name of candidate: Andrew Horning Office candidate is seeking: Indiana US Senate Contact person: Andrew Horning Address, city, state, zip 7851 Pleasant Hill Road, Freedom, IN 47431 Phone number: 812 585 0504 Email address: andy@horningforsenate.com Campaign website: http://HorningForSenate.com 1. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Decreased Explain: It is both unconstitutional (illegal) and immoral to grab up citizen resources, draw up highly paid lobbying teams, and fight over what is, legally and morally, stolen money. Sorry; I know y'all make your living with this, but it really is wrong. 2. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? No Explain: I've worked my whole life in healthcare; in research, clinical and industry roles. I see what politics does to my business. Besides, it's unconstitutional (illegal) and there are better ways to achieve this worthy goal. 3. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? No Explain Absolutely not; and for the aforementioned reasons. It's illegal, immoral, and will be terribly counterproductive and exotically expensive when that's the last thing we need. 4. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Support Explain To steal money from people for this would be illegal and immoral. 5. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? 33

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Andrew Horning (continued)

Sorry; this continuous fight and politicization of other people's money for illegal purposes is not my cup of tea. 6. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. I have a very dear friend who's been suffering with this for years. He had to have a liver transplant, and the Hep is pushing him back hard. It hurts me terribly to see this happen to one of the finest people I know. But throwing blood money and invoking politics is no answer to anything.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Name of candidate: Joe Ruiz Office candidate is seeking: U.S. Congress, IN District 2 Contact person: Joe Ruiz Address, City, State, Zip: N/A Phone number: 574-286-6958 Email address: Joe@joeruizforcongress.com Campaign website: www.joeruizforcongress.com 1. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Same Increased Decreased Explain: Supporting decreases in Federal spending means decreases across the board, regardless of my personal feelings towards the issue. When elected I would propose the Reid/Horning Road to Reality plan – A plan proposed by colleagues within the Libertarian Party of Indiana. This plan would see a 25% cut in the Center for Disease Control placing them back at Fiscal Year 2006 levels. While this may sound drastic to some, our nation’s debt has become a drastic situation, which will require serious solutions if it is to be fixed. 2. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nation’s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes No Unsure Explain: While the facts presented by the NVHR (National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable) are devastating, I am a firm believer in a simplified Federal Government. One of my main priorities is balancing the national budget. Rapid increases in health-care related spending are occurring in the U.S. despite their unsustainability. Supporting decreases in Federal spending means decreases across the board, regardless of my personal feelings towards the issue. When elected I would propose the Reid/Horning Road to Reality plan – A plan proposed by colleagues within the Libertarian Party of Indiana. This plan would see a 25% cut in the Center for Disease Control placing them back at Fiscal Year 2006 levels. While this may sound drastic to some, our nation’s debt has become a drastic situation, which will require serious solutions if it is to be fixed. 3. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? 35

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Joe Ruiz (continued) Yes No Unsure Explain: I do not support the Affordable Care Act. Further, I do not support any Federal subsidization of the Health Care industry. I believe that Less Government Intervention = A Healthier Economy. Just because the government can do something does not necessarily mean that it is in the best interest of the people. Removing government regulations from insurance markets and allowing consumers to purchase plans across state lines would increase the amount of competition in the insurance industry. Insurance businesses would work harder to keep customers due to the boom in consumer options. Since consumers seek the highest quality for the lowest cost, insurance prices would be driven down. Americans who could not purchase insurance before would be able to without any intervention or additional spending by our Federal Government. 4. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Support Oppose Unsure Explain: Again I would suggest that just because the Federal Government can do something does not mean that it is in the best interest of the people. While I would be in favor of ending the War on Drugs, I do not think that spending Federal taxpayer dollars on a syringe exchange program is beneficial to our economic health. Private agencies, Private Enterprise, Charities, etc. can develop a plan to replace these programs if the demand exists. 5. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? I would not ensure implementation of the action plan in any way that includes Federal funding as the means to the end. In my opinion, educational organizations (like NVHR) are much more effective in educating their communities than Federal programs. While so many causes exist – causes worthy of time, attention, and passion, the federal government is simply not the best broker of solutions. Its programs are often too expensive to keep up with while at the same time clouded by red tape and regulations which make success uncommon. 6. Please tell us anything else you’d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. For the last six years I have devoted my time to working with the at-risk youth in our community as well as their families. These families deal with a range of issues; some behavioral, and some health related. Although my concerns for America’s economic crisis would be a priority during my time in Congress that does not imply a lack of compassion. It does, however, mean that I see more value in people caring for people than ineffective Institutions like our government, which lack efficiency and accountability, attempting to. People caring for other people require a sincere heart for their neighbor. Real human connections produce the best results. I have seen it in my work, and I believe it would be true of this cause (viral hepatitis) as well. 36

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: Kenneth Stepp 2. Office candidate is seeking: Congressman, U.S. HOUSE, KENTUCKY FIFTH DISTRICT 3. Contact person: KENNETH STEPP 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 7750 N. HWY 421, P. O. BOX 1271 City - MANCHESTER State - KENTUCKY Zip Code â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 40962 5. Phone number: (606)596-0360 6. Email address: kenneth_stepp@yahoo.com 7. Campaign website: http//:www.steppforcongress.blogspot.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. . Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Increased Explain: - I had a relative that had been diagnosed with that disease. That relative died last month, but the cause of death has not been told to me. 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes The Affordable Care Act helps the working poor, middle class, and poor people, as well as women and people with prior existing conditions, all of whom I favor. 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Support 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis 37

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Kenneth Stepp (continued) (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: As a blood donor, I realize that improper blood screening in tha past has been a major cause of the spread of Hepatitis C. I would favor those goals and activities that help ordinary citizens and people with previously existing conditions. 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. As I said, I had a relative who had been diagnosed with Hepatitis C, who died last month. Some people have to get organ transplants because of having Hepatitis C. I would be their champion. Anyone with a major organ transplant that gets on Medicare should be allowed to be on Medicare for life, and not kicked off Medicare whenever they get a job; people should be encouraged to work and not kicked off Medicare unnecessarily. More research should be done, better screening should be done, and better care should be given to those with viral hepatitis.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: Caleb Trotter 2. Office candidate is seeking: US House of Representatives, Louisiana, 2nd District 3. Contact person: Caleb Trotter 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 1816 Amelia St City - New Orleans State - LA Zip Code â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 70115 5. Phone number: 504-534-8064 6. Email address: caleb4congress@gmail.com 7. Campaign website: www.calebtrotter.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Unsure Explain: - Before making a decision one way or the other I would need a thorough analysis done of the current budget of the DVH to check for efficiency and results. Upon reviewing that I would decide whether to make any budget changes using a cost-benefit analysis. 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Unsure I would need to see that the additional funds spent could not be used more effectively elsewhere or through more efficient within the current budget before supporting this bill. 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? No The answer to increased insurance coverage is through less government involvement, not more. If the government were to step back and allow greater innovation within the healthcare industry we would see prices decrease and coverage and health improve across the board. Unfortunately, the Affordable Care Act will make access to healthcare less efficient and decrease our options for care while actually making costs increase. 39

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Caleb Trotter (continued) 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose First, drugs should not be illegal. Second, if they are illegal, the government should allow funding for needle exchange on a preventative care rationale. The health of our citizens would be improved through minimal effort. 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: Through accountability of the overseeing of HHS. If they aren't already, we should be holding regular meetings to evaluate the results of any plan or program within HHS. 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. I would like to see the efforts expanded outside of the CDC. We should allow non-governmental agencies to do as much work on the issue as possible. This would improve things not only from a budget standpoint but from an innovation one as well.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: John LaFerla 2. Office candidate is seeking: Representative to US Congress Maryland District 1 3. Contact person: Erik Gulbrandsen 410 371 0323 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - PO Box 832 City - Chestertown State - MD Zip Code â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 21620 5. Phone number: 443 480 9840 6. Email address: laferlaforcongress@gmail.com 7. Campaign website: www.JohnLaFerla.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Explain: - More money may be needed if the prevalence is increasing. 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes I believe that AFA is a big step forward. Work will need to be done to make it work better for everyone. I look forward to being a physician in Congress to help with implementation. 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose Syringe exchange programs are a positive Public Health measure. 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and 41

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS John LaFerla (continued) activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? As a Public Health physician, I would look to the APHA for guidance on this question. 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. I have close relatives dealing with Hep C. In the past, I have encouraged our local law enforcement officers to offer Hepatitis screening to prison inmates.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Name of candidate: Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger Office candidate is seeking: U.S. House of Representatives, MD-02 Contact person: Jaime Lennon Address, city, state, zip: 22 West Padonia Road, Suite C-141, Timonium, MD 21093 Phone number: (410) 252-2505 Email address: GoDutch@DutchForCongress.com Campaign website: www.dutchforcongress.com 7. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations?  Same Increased Decreased Explain: 8. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nation’s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act?  Yes No Unsure Explain: 9. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans?  Yes No Unsure Explain 10. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Support  Oppose Unsure Explain 43

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Dutch Ruppersberger (continued) 11. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html) . The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? I would support legislation and appropriate funding to support the implementation of the Action Plan. 12. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Name of candidate: Office candidate is seeking: Contact person: Address, city, state, zip Phone number: Email address: Campaign website:

Rep. Elijah E. Cummings Congress [MD-07] Mike Christianson, Counsel, Cummings for Congress 2014 Madison Ave., Baltimore, MD 21217 410-669-8400 mchristianson1@gmail.com http://cummingsforcongress.com

YES

3. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes No Unsure Explain

YES

4. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Support Oppose Unsure Explain

OPPOSE I HAVE BEEN LEADING THIS INITIATIVE FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS 45

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Elijah E. Cummings (continued) 5. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? WORK TO ASSURE ADEQUATE FUNDING. ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATION EFFORTS 6. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. IT HAS BEEN MY EXPERIENCE THAT THE PERSONAL TESTIMONY OF THOSE INFECTED AND, ESPECIALLY, THEIR FAMILIES IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE METHOD OF EXPANDING SUPPORT IN THE CONGRESS.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

1. Name of candidate: Joe Selvaggi 2. Office candidate is seeking: Representative in Congress MA-08 3. Contact person: Tony Andrews 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 139A Charles Street #272 City - Boston State - MA Zip Code â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 02108 5. Phone number: (617) 858-1563 6. Email address: campaign@joeselvaggi2012 7. Campaign website: www.joe4jobs.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Increased 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? No The candidate would repeal the ACA and replace it with comprehensive reforms that made healthcare affordable to all. Refundable tax credits for premiums, cost transparency, Health Savings Accounts will drive down costs while keeping premium cost low. A high risk pool would be provided for those who could not afford any options. 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Support Oppose The candidate understands the concerns of both points of view. I advocate greater education for the prevention of these diseases and programs that discourage the spread of the disease. I am concerned that offering publicly funded needles will have the effect of facilitating drug use with tax payer money. 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html).

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Joe Selvaggi (continued) The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: The candidate would have the power to fund such a program by approving those bills which are relevant. The Congress also has the power to review the Executive Branch's implementation. If execution is not effective, greater oversight and better funding would be needed. If there is no measurable success for the program, the candidate would help to craft a different plan. 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. The candidate appreciates that this disease is so dangerous because its victims are largely unaware of their illness until too late. Public education regarding the tests and treatments are the duty of government.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: Scotty Boman 2. Office candidate is seeking: United States Senator 3. Contact person: Scotty Boman 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 4877 Balfour Rd. City - Detroit State - Michigan Zip Code â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 48224 5. Phone number: 313-247-2052 6. Email address: scottyboman@hotmail.com 7. Campaign website: http://scottyboman.org 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Decreased Explain: - Medical care is not among the enumerated powers of Congress. This is an important service, but it is not appropriate for the Federal government. In fact it is arguably unconstitutional. 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? No Medical care is not among the enumerated powers of Congress. This is an important service, but it is not appropriate for the Federal government. In fact it is arguably unconstitutional. 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? No This is outside the scope of Congressional power (over-seeing health care is not listed among the enumerated powers in the Constitution), but healthcare for all who want it would be wonderful so long as people could choose their individualized care, and nobody else is forced to pay for it. The best way to do this is to have transparent pricing and let providers compete for the consumer's business. This would bring down prices. Also, insurance companies should be allowed to compete across state lines and offer as many different plan structures as they wish so the insured have more choices. Since consumers would be able to keep the portion of money that would otherwise be extorted as taxes for Obama-care, they would have more money available to pay for these services. If government relief is provided for those who fall through the cracks, that service must be decided at state or local level as permitted by the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution. 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Support

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Scotty Boman (continued) Medical care is not among the enumerated powers of Congress. This is an important service, but it is not appropriate for the Federal government. In fact it is arguably unconstitutional. I also oppose any efforts to prohibit such exchanges. 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: Get the government out of the way, so that health professionals, involved organizations, and concerned philanthropists can do this important work. Medical care is not among the enumerated powers of Congress. 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. Defending Americans' Health-Care Freedom The Libertarian Perspective of Health Care When it comes to healthcare, libertarians consistently advocate the same principles they do for all other issues. The libertarian philosophy can be narrowed down to one simple principle: There is a right to self-ownership. The right to self ownership asserts the absolute right of each person by virtue of his or her being a human being, to "own" his or her own body; that is, to control the body free of coercive interference. Every healthcare issue can and must be solved using this principle. When you compare this principle (which nearly everyone would agree with in theory) to our current Government infested healthcare system, you can see just how far off we are from true liberty. When Government controls what health services (or products) you buy, when you get those services, how you get them, how often you get them, where you get them, how you pay for them, and what products/services are even available for purchase to begin with, you know we no longer have liberty in our healthcare system. Instead of top-down, coercive "solutions", liberty-lovers believe Government should not require or forbid any person's informed healthcare decisions. Government should not have control over any personal decisions--such as who gets treated, when they get treated, what treatments are administered, how people pay for those treatments, etc. Bureacrats believe that you are simply part of "society"-to be directed and used for their goals and whims, for society's "best interest" (whatever that means). We believe society is simply made up of individuals who each have a right to selfownership-who are in charge of themselves, and are capable of ruling themselves. We believe healthcare (like other services or products) should be a mutually consenting, mutually beneficial contract between suppliers and consumers (in this case doctors and patients). This "doctor-patient" relationship should not be intruded upon by bureaucrats who use coercion to implement what they deem to be "in the best interests" of "society" (nevermind that they have no understanding of medicine), while they sit in their offices in Washington with their exorbitant salaries and benefits with no idea of each particular situation. Instead of Government/Bureacratic involvement, we believe that both the consumers and the providers of healthcare services have the right to voluntarily engage third parties in the healthcare transaction, as they see fit. For example, patients have the right to insure against unforeseen accidental error, to choose what kind of health insurance (if any) is necessary for them, to obtain whatever treatments or pharmaceuticals are necessary. Patients also should not be forced to subsidize someone else's irresponsibility. As Murray Rothbard said, we similarly believe that each individual person must, in order to act, choose his own ends and employ his own means in order to obtain them." It is immoral to do otherwise. This means means that ethical and moral decisions in personal healthcare should be left to the individual. Not to bureaucrats that don't understand the situation, nor to the majority to decide-which then tramples the rights of the minority. It is ultimately up to the individual to decide which ideas to accept and reject-because the patient's body and health are his/her own jurisdiction. Not ours. Healthcare providers also have the right to set their own standards of healthcare delivery by making and enforcing the rules they determine necessary for their practice; as opposed to the top-down, one size fits all, detached bureaucratic regulations that simply create more problems, which give rise to more Government "solutions", which give rise to more problems in an endless cycle that keeps bureaucracy busy and Big Government control "absolutely necessary" (otherwise we will all die instantly). Instead of patching and shifting problems, we believe the solution is liberty-personal freedom with responsibility, and free markets. While healthcare is obviously more important than any other commodity, it is not exempt from the same economic principles that all other products and services are subject. And like all the other sectors of the economy, when Government gets involved, costs increase, quality goes down, and choice is limited. That's a fact. So if you want high quality healthcare that's affordable and will give you the liberty to choose the decisions that affect your body, you need to

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Scotty Boman (continued) realize that ONLY free markets and liberty with responsibility on your part will give you this. Government won't. It never has. And It never will. Liberty is the only real and permanent health care reform. That's why we believe in Liberty. Congressional Authority and Current Issues The federal government has no legitimate constitutional authority to regulate or limit the health-care choices of Americans. In fact, since the federal government has become involved, health-care prices have greatly outpaced inflation. We can’t afford the so-called “Affordable Health Care Act.” (AKA Obama-care); the best way to make health care affordable is to get the government out of it. Thanks to the efforts of establishment politicians over the years, we now have a multi-trillion-dollar unfunded Medicare liability. This burden will be borne by our children and grandchildren, though it was our generation and those before us who reaped the benefits. This is morally unconscionable! There is no simple solution to get us out of the Medicare mess, but we mustn't compound it with even more government intervention into the realm of health care. I am steadfastly opposed to socialized medicine. If I run for Senator, I will fight statists from any party in their efforts to impose health-care rationing on the American people. We need more freedom, not more government. Burdensome FDA regulations result in hundreds of deaths for every life they save. I support the abolition of the FDA, which could be replaced by private-sector certification authorities that would be fully accountable to the public -- unlike the monopolistic FDA. I oppose FDA harassment of supplement providers. Individuals should be able to freely choose the types of medicines or herbal remedies they consume without government interference. If supplement makers misrepresent their products, then this is a matter for the courts. I believe Americans are smart enough to make their own health-care decisions. I strongly oppose the unconstitutional efforts of the federal government to prohibit individual states from legalizing medical marijuana. In addition to being grossly inhumane, such efforts are entirely without constitutional basis.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: Tim Davis 2. Office candidate is seeking: U.S. Senate 3. Contact person: Tim Davis 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 4154 Vincent Ave N City - Minneapolis State - MN Zip Code - 55412 5. Phone number: 612-522-3776 6. Email address: birdman420@q.com 7. Campaign website: timdavisforsenate.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Same Explain: - Until all budget considerations are looked at I would at least hold the line. 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Unsure 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? No I do not support the mandates and would rather a single-payer, or Medicare for all type of system. 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and 52

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Tim Davis (continued) activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: Look at the guidelines and decide for the best way to implement the goals. 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. The issue of clean needle exchange and an admittance of drug use is central to curtailing the spread of this disease. Harm reduction approaches and clean needle exchange programs nationally would help.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

1. Name of candidate: Jim Evans 2. Office candidate is seeking: U. S. Congress Missouri 7th 3. Contact person: Jim Evans 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 6271 S Farm Road 67 City - Republic State - MO Zip Code â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 65738 5. Phone number: 417-224-4482 6. Email address: jimevans.pv@gmail.com 7. Campaign website: jimevansforcongress.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Same 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: Disease prevention, not only improves public health but improves the nations economic health by increasing productivity and containing increases in medical costs. Small public investments in prevention yield huge returns in savings. It is a commonsense approach to addressing the national health care cost crisis. I am an advocate for a single-payer national insurance plan. Preventative services must be a component of the plan.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Jim Evans (continued) 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. Irrational moral sensitivities and cultural attitudes create dangerous distractions in any effort to fight the spread of disease. It is necessary to elect representatives who follow a pragmatic approach to governance rather than ideologues who ignore reason and science

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

1. Name of candidate: Thomas Holbrook 2. Office candidate is seeking: U.S. House of Representatives in the 4th Congressional District of Missouri. 3. Contact person: Thomas Holbrook 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 515 Laurel, APT B City - Warrensburg State - Missouri Zip Code â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 64093 5. Phone number: 660-238-0762 6. Email address: thenixedreport@gmail.com 7. Campaign website: thomasholbrook.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Decreased Explain: - While I understand how devastating viral hepatitis can be to anyone who has it, we already have a wealth of knowledge of information regarding this issue. Local public libraries, the Internet, and other access points of information are available to everyone in this country. With our trillions of dollars of national debt, we need to begin to cut back on things that the private sector (profit and non-profit) can handle. 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? No Again, there is already enough information about Hepatitis B that people can educate themselves and others around them about the issue at hand. 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? No 56

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Thomas Holbrook (continued) While I can understand and sympathize with the problems that our current healthcare system in this country has, subsidizing the insurance companies is not the solution. Even in this day and age, there are those who do not become ill very often, and therefore do not need to go to the doctor or a hospital very often. The law itself forces individuals who want to have a career of any sort to participate in this broken system or face a penalty (or as the Supreme Court recently labelled it, a "tax") when filing income taxes the next year. I am not heartless, but I am a realist. Our national debt is alarmingly high and will only get higher if something isn't done about it. I support the idea of a Health Savings Account (HSA) and other initiatives that put medical decisions back into the hands of doctors and their patients. 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Support Private industries are more than capable of implementing such things. While we're at it, why not end the war on drugs as well? 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: As a legislator, it is not my place to implement any "action plan" regarding the health of individuals. As an individual, I can encourage parents in my congressional district to educate themselves about the issue itself. The people are more than capable of taking care of themselves without government intervention. 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. Too often, we ask ourselves, "What can the government do about this?" instead of asking ourselves, "What can WE do about this?". If we are to be in a better condition as a people, whether it be health or financial, we'll need to start taking care of ourselves. The government is not the solution to all of our problems in this country and the world. We the people are.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: Bill Slantz 2. Office candidate is seeking: United States Congress Second District Missouri 3. Contact person: Bill Slantz 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 1620 Congress Way City - St Charles State - Missouri Zip Code â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 63303 5. Phone number: 6369221600 6. Email address: BillSlantz@BillSlantz.com 7. Campaign website: www.billslantz.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Decreased Explain: - There should be a true free market in healthcare without government restrictions or excessive limitations. Consumers should be able to buy health insurance across state lines, without joining a group, and in a market not distorted by government incentives or subsidies. In this way I believe MORE resources would be available to for the surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations. 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? No Through private sector initiatives I believe you could outpace $110 million over five years and more efficiently put that money directly to those comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components you talk about. 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? No 1. Establish Medical Saving Accounts: Under this program, you could deposit tax-free money into a Medical Savings Account. Whenever you need the money to pay medical bills, you will be able 58

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS to withdraw it. For individuals without an MSA, make all healthcare expenditures 100 percent tax deductible. 2. Deregulate the healthcare industry: We should repeal all government policies that increase health costs and decrease the availability of medical services. These laws reduce consumer choice and increase the cost of health insurance. By making insurance more expensive, mandated benefits increase the number of uninsured American workers. 3. Remove barriers to safe, affordable medicines: We should replace harmful government agencies like the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) with more agile, free-market alternatives. The mission of the FDA is to protect us from unsafe medicines. In fact, the FDA has driven up healthcare costs and deprived millions of Americans of much-needed treatments. Bureaucratic roadblocks kill sick Americans. 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? No Response 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. Making Healthcare Safe and Affordable: As recently as the 1960s, low-cost health insurance was available to virtually everyone in America - including people with existing medical problems. Doctors made house calls. A hospital stay cost only a few days' pay. Charity hospitals were available to take care of families who could not afford to pay for healthcare. Since then the federal government has increasingly intervened through Medicare, Medicaid, the HMO Act and tens of thousands of regulations on doctors, hospitals and health-insurance companies. Today, more than 50 percent of all healthcare dollars are spent by the government. Health insurance costs are skyrocketing. Government health programs are heading for bankruptcy. Politicians continue to pile on the regulations. The only healthcare reforms that will make a real difference are those that draw on the strength of the free market.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

1. Name of candidate: Anatol Zorikova 2. Office candidate is seeking: U.S. House of Representatives 3. Contact person: Anatol Zorikova 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 426 Jefferson Av. City - Lebanon State â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MO 5. Phone number: 323-283-4857 6. Email address: 2012@zorikovaforcongress.com 7. Campaign website: ZorikovaforCongress.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Decreased 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? No 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? No 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Unsure 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: 60

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Anatol Zorikova (continued) The legal system has to play a major part in ensuring the Action Plan. 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. I have M.S. in biology and have my own prospective on the health care. I believe that federal government has to care more about prevention of deceases instead of treatment. For instance, the latest research, which has been released this week, shows the direct link between GMO and cancer that leads to a shorter lifespan for rats. GMO has to be banned in USA and other countries.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Name of candidate: Carol Shea-Porter Office candidate is seeking: US Representative Contact person: Rachel Van Wert Address, city, state, zip: PO Box 453, Rochester NH 03866 Phone number: 603-531-9653 Email address: rachel@sheaporter.com Campaign website: www.sheaporter.com • In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Increased Explain: • The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nation’s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes Explain: The bill implements a program of education and testing with the goal of increasing the number of people aware of their infection by 50% by 2014 and by 75% by 2016, and also improves the training of physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Hepatitis, a largely preventable disease, is the leading cause of liver cancer, and untreated, 25% of those with chronic hepatitis will develop liver cancer or cirrhosis of the liver. So this bill is a necessary step toward addressing this serious danger to public health. • Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes Explain: When I served in Congress (2007-11) as a member of the Education & Labor Committee, I worked on the Affordable Care Act and voted for it. • Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose Explain: • In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? I support the Affordable Care Act and its provisions will help us implement the Action Plan. • Please tell us anything else you’d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. I support funding to educate, identify, prevent, and provide care. 62

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Name of candidate: Colin Beavan Office candidate is seeking: U.S. Congress, New York 8th congressional district, Contact person: Jonathan Fluck Address, city, state, zip Phone number: 718-522-2858 Email address: colinforcongress@gmail.com Campaign website: votecolin.com 1. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Same Increased Decreased Explain: 2. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes No Unsure Explain: 3. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes No Unsure Explain: I support a single-payer national health care system that eliminates the insurance industry (and their 30% administrative costs) from our health care system. A national health care system should be organized much the way social security and medicare are now organized: a payroll tax, half paid by the employee and half paid by the employer. Every employer should be required to pay into it regardless of whether the person they are paying is an official employee or an independent contractor. Unemployed people must also be included in the system. 4.

Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs?

Support Oppose 63

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Colin Beavan (continued) Unsure Explain: The ban is simply shortsighted and counterproductive. 5. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html) . The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Proper funding would go a long way to ensure the implementation of the plan, and I would support insuring that it is properly funded. 6. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. Although I have no personal experience with viral hepatitis, I know that most with it are unaware that they are infected until it is too late. Since I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hold out much hope that a single payer health care system will be instituted in the U.S. in my next term in office, I would fully support the funding of educating the public and providing the funding for screening so people can be brought into the system for evaluation.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: Jerrold Nadler 2. Office candidate is seeking: Representative in Congress, 10th Congressional District, New York State 3. Contact person: Robert Gottheim 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 131 Varick Street, Suite 1017 City - New York State - New York Zip Code â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10013 5. Phone number: 212-352-0370 6. Email address: robert@jerrynadler.com 7. Campaign website: www.jerrynadler.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. . Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Increased 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose Congressman Nadler led the efforts to repeal the ban with Rep. Serrano in 2009, unfortunately the Republicans reinstated the ban in 2011. 13. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and 65

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Jerrold Nadler (continued) activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: Congressman Nadler supports and signed a letter authored by Congressman Hank Johnson to CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden calling for a timely release of the Center for Disease Control's and Prevention's revised screening guidelines for the Hepatitis C Virus. He urged the CDC to adopt new guidelines that would recommend a one-time screening for all Americans born between 1945 and 1970, the "baby boomer generation". Existing risk based screening is not effectively targeting a patient population where baby boomers account for 80 percent of all Americans infected with chronic HCV. 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. No Response

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: Brian Irving 2. Office candidate is seeking: Congress NC District 2 3. Contact person: Brian Irving 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 206 Clancy Circle City - Cary State - North Carolina Zip Code - 27511 5. Phone number: 919-538-4548 6. Email address: brian@libertypoint.org 7. Campaign website: http://LibertyPoint.org 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Decreased 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? No 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? No 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? No Response 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. No Response 67

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: Elisabeth Motsinger 2. Office candidate is seeking: US House NC-5 3. Contact person: Zac Bailes 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 1411 W.1st St. City - Winston-Salem State - NC Zip Code â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 27101 5. Phone number: 336 293 8100 6. Email address: connect@nc5th.us 7. Campaign website: www.nc5th.us 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Same Explain: - More extensive testing, education and vaccines are warrented but I cannot promise more funds until I see the overall medical budget. 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose Syringe exchange programs work at decreasing blood-borne diseases. 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and 68

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? These diseases cause an enormous amount of suffering and therefore need to be addressed in a comprehensive way. 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. I am a Physician Assistant and have practiced medicine for over 20 years. I have never met a patient who did not deserve health care. My brother has hepatitis C and has had signicant problems for several years. I believe that health care is a right and that prevention is better than treatment.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

1. Name of candidate: Bob Fitrakis 2. Office candidate is seeking: U.S. Congress Ohio's 3rd district 3. Contact person: Suzanne Patzer 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 1021 E. Broad St. City - Columbus State - OH Zip Code – 43205 5. Phone number: 614-374-2380 6. Email address: fitrakisforcongress@gmail.com 7. Campaign website: www.fitrakisforcongress.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million . Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Increased 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nation’s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? No I support single payer universal health insurance with massive expansion of free preventative care. 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose I strongly believe in syringe exchange and clean needle programs. 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: By supporting increased funding and speaking out about the need for testing. 13. Please tell us anything else you’d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. I would work with the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable to address the issue.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: Sean Stipe 2. Office candidate is seeking: US Congress Ohio's 9th district 3. Contact person: Sean Stipe 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 4652 Oberlin Avenue Suite B4 City - Lorain State - Ohio Zip Code – 44053 5. Phone number: 440-984-1878 6. Email address: sean@seanstipe.com 7. Campaign website: www.SeanStipe.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Decreased 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nation’s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? No 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? No Allowing Americans to purchase policies across state lines. 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Support 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: I would have to read it in full to give a proper comment. 13. Please tell us anything else you’d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. No Response

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: Michael G. Fulks 2. Office candidate is seeking: U.S. Representative, OK2 3. Contact person: Michael Fulks 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 54562 US HWY 59 City - Heavener State - OK Zip Code – 74937 5. Phone number: 918-383-0060 6. Email address: Michael.Fulks@vote4ok.com 7. Campaign website: www.vote4ok.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Increased 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nation’s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes While I do not support repealing the ACA I would prefer moving it to a single-payer system. The current plan guarantees a profit to an insurance company who I do not feel needs to be involved. 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: I will support policy changes needed to implement the plan and encourage the cooperation needed for success. 13. Please tell us anything else you’d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. Vulnerable populations are always at greater risk during recessions and we need to be vigilant their needs are not ignored during the general clamor for budget cuts or re-directions.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Name of candidate: Mike Koffenberger Office candidate is seeking: U.S. House of Representatives, District 4 - Pennsylvania Contact person: Mike Koffenberger Address, city, state, zip: P.O. Box 202, Stewartstown, PA 17363 Phone number: 443-744-6297 Email address: mike@mikeforpa.com Campaign website: www.mikeforpa.com 1. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Same Increased Decreased X Explain: I believe that these projects would be better funded through a private means, or out of a newly created non-taxpayer funded agency run by representatives from the states. 2. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes No x Unsure Explain: $110 million over five years is not really a lot of money to fund such a project. There is no doubt, that with some media attention, this could be better handled in the private sector and be better funded. 3. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes No x Unsure Explain: It is a gross overreach of federal power. IF it was to be a program, it should be done within a state like Massachusetts did, however I support no federal control or funding. 4. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Support Oppose x Unsure 73

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Mike Koffenberger (continued) Explain: I never knew there was such a program, however this should be done at the state and local level as it already is in many cases. 5. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html) . The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. â&#x2C6;&#x2019;

How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? I would not. The federal government is generally incompetent in matters such as this. This must be done locally.

6. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. As a police officer, I received a vaccination for hepatitis that was funded and produced via the local government that I work for. Education is great tool to ensure that they are aware of the dangers of hepatitis. I do not believe that the federal government is the best way to enact such education and research.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Name of candidate: Jim Langevin Office candidate is seeking: United States House of Representatives (Rhode Island, 2nd District) Contact person: Seth Klaiman Address, city, state, zip: 181A Knight Street, Warwick, RI 02886 Phone number: (401) 737-7177 Email address: Seth@JimLangevin.com Campaign website: www.JimLangevin.com 1. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? I support increased funding at the CDCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Division of Viral Hepatitis. Investments in preventive services like early education, testing and vaccination programs protect the public against the spread of viral hepatitis and related illnesses like HIV/AIDS, saving lives and reducing costs over the long term. 2. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes, I am a cosponsor of the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act. 3. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes, I was proud to support passage of the Affordable Care Act, which will begin to institute the changes we need to provide more security and stability to Americans who have health insurance, guarantee insurance to the millions who don't, and lower health care costs for our families, businesses and the government. 4. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? I oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs, which have been highly effective in Rhode Island at reducing the transmission of diseases and connecting individuals with services to treat substance use disorders. 5. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html) . The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. 75

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Jim Langevin (continued) How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? We must work together at the federal, state and local levels to ensure the Action Plan is properly funded and implemented to achieve its goals while addressing the specific needs of our local communities. 6. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. Over the years, I have had the privilege to meet with passionate and dedicated public health professional who work tirelessly to fight the spread of viral hepatitis and associated illnesses. We must continue to support efforts to educate the public, provide funding for prevention, train a robust public health workforce and invest in research that will lead to new and innovative treatments to address this epidemic.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

1. Name of candidate:

Gloria Bronll Tinubu 2. Office candidate is seeking: US House of Representatives, South Carolina 7th District 3. Contact person: Mckean Nowlin 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 1421 3rd Ave. City - Conway State - SC Zip Code – 29526 5. Phone number: (843)315-0114 6. Email address: contact@gloria4congress.com 7. Campaign website: www.gloria4congress.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Increased Explain: - I believe that prevention is more cost effective in the long run. 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nation’s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: I would push for funding to be in place. 13. Please tell us anything else you’d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. No Response

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

1. Name of candidate: Brandon Stewart 2. Office candidate is seeking: US Congress House of Representatives, TN District 2 3. Contact person: Brandon Stewart 4. Address, city, state, zip City - Knoxville State - TN Zip Code â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 37932 5. Phone number: 865-236-0530 6. Email address: brandon@brandonforcongress.com 7. Campaign website: www.brandonforcongress.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Same Explain: - $29.7 million is a lot of money but probably not enough for the required testing, education, etc. However, our economy is a more pressing matter and our national debt is through the roof. While I would like to see more money funneled your way, I don't think it is a realistic short term focus. Long term, I would like to see increased funding for prevention (especially vaccinations). 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes I absolutely support this but, again, I have concerns regarding our current focus surrounding the budget and national debt. Despite my concerns, I would support this bill with a caveat that there would need to be real results before any further money is allocated for funding. 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes I want every American to have access to affordable healthcare. I have a few problems with the healthcare bill, as well as our healthcare system as a whole, but these problems are small when you look at the big picture of insuring more Americans for potential health care problems down the road. 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose I can't think of a single reason to support this ban. I am fiscally conservative. Though, I find it hard to ban funding for programs that help reduce HIV (and other diseases) spread. There is a difference between smart about the budget

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Brandon Stewart (continued) and smart about our country... sometimes, you have to pay for programs like this because it is the right thing to do despite the cost. 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: This is a tough question. On one hand, it is very easy to say that you would support this action plan. Ultimately, I think the goals are noble. However, on the other hand, it is not easy to mandate prevention and treatment for disease. I actually took the time to read through this action plan (all 84 pages). Despite the fact that the plan is a long term plan, I still see some pitfalls to it. Example: "GOALS: 4.1 Eliminate mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B." That is a great goal, but is it really achievable? I saw the tasks that were to be administered, but you can't just give each newborn a shot of vaccine without the implicit agreement of the parent. There will be people that fall through the cracks on this. I think the action plan is very lofty, as are the goals. I like the plan as a whole, but it will take more than a nicely written report to truly achieve the goals listed. So, to answer the question, I would do everything in my power to ensure that bills were passed that were in line with the action plan implementation. However, I would not be able to support continued long term funding on this plan without real, numerical results. 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. I knew a family friend that died of hepatitis C back in the 90s, but that is my only personal experience with hepatitis. I don't want any families to lose anyone to hepatitis, or any other preventable disease. As a country, we need to put more focus on education and research so that we can ensure everyone has knowledge to prevent. Also, we need more reliable vaccines and cures for these kind of epidemics. If I am elected to Congress, I will do my best to ensure we are working towards those 2 goals.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Brad Staats- Pending

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

1. Name of candidate: Jeffrey C. Blunt 2. Office candidate is seeking: US House of Representatives District 23, Texas 3. Contact person: Jeffrey C. Blunt 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 9242 Red Leg Drive City - San Antonio State - Texas Zip Code - 78240 5. Phone number: 210-607-7846 6. Email address: blunt.jeffrey@gmail.com 7. Campaign website: http://lptexas.org/node/59 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Decreased 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? No The US Constitution does not give the Federal Government the power to enforce laws like the Viral Hepatitis Act. Until a Constitutional amendment is passed giving the Federal government the power to perform the activities required by the Act, it violates the 10th amendment to the US Constitution, and I can not support it. 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? No The US Constitution does not give the Federal Government the power to enforce laws like the Affordable Care Act. Until a Constitutional amendment is passed giving the Federal government the power to control health insurance and health care, it violates the 10th amendment to the US Constitution, and I can not support it. Individual states and localities are free to implement similar plans should their citizenry choose to do so. 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Support I have no problem with needle exchanges, but they should not be funded by the Federal government. 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? No Response 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS No Response

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

1. Name of candidate: James Cargas 2. Office candidate is seeking: U.S. Congressional District 7 (Texas) 3. Contact person: Dr. Dorina Papageorgiou, Ph.D., M.H.Sc. 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 2450 Louisiana Street, Suite 400-777 City - Houston State - Texas Zip Code â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 77006 5. Phone number: (713)-581-0072 6. Email address: campaign@jamescargas.com 7. Campaign website: www.jamescargas.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Increased Explain: - I support increased funding to the Centers for Disease Control for research in viral hepatitis. If elected, I will vote in support of increased allocation to the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to $34.7 million in its FY2013 bill. A funding of $29.7 million is flat-funding the program and if one considers inflation this is not optimal especially, when viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer - one of the fastest growing cancers in America as more 5.3 million people in the U.S. are living with hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C and 65-75 percent of them are not aware of their infections. 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes I do support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act and authorization of $110 million over five years to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections, launch education programs for the detection and control of such infections, provide referrals for counseling and medical treatment services, and ensure and improve the training of health professionals in the treatment of such infections. 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes 83

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

James Cargas (continued) I support the ACA because it ensures life-saving healthcare to the uninsured and benefits the medical community. Currently, hospitals and the entire healthcare system are struggling under the burden of uncompensated care. To the extent possible, hospitals and other institutions pass part of this cost on to those with health insurance. The rest, is absorbed by these institutions. The ACA addressed this by expanding Medicaid to 1.8 million additional Texans. Implementation of the ACA will have a great impact on the health care industry and our jewel, the Texas Medical Center, and Texas health care providers. Sadly, Texas will lose out on billions in federal funds under the ACA, just so Gov. Perry can score political points with the Tea Party. These funds could mean new jobs for physicians, nurses, technicians, administrators, janitors and others in the medical community. These funds could mean a boost in desperately needed resources for medical schools and hospitals. The voters will have a clear choice this November. There is a reason Congress has the lowest approval rating in history – the reason is extremists like my opponent, John Culberson. In reference to my position on ACA, please see my press releases: 1. Paul Ryan and John Culberson want to dismantle Medicare and give the top 1% a huge tax cut: http://www.jamescargas.com/news/paul_ryan_and_john_culberson_want_to_dismantle_medicare_and_gi ve_the_top_a_huge_tax_cut 2. Rick Perry is hurting Texans http://www.jamescargas.com/news/rick_perry_is_hurting_texans 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Support Although a controversial issue, public health advocates have long argued it prevents the spread of HIV and other diseases. I oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs because a number of federally funded studies have shown that comprehensive syringe-exchange programs help prevent the spread of disease and do not increase illegal drug use. For example, the Federal Office of Public Health in Switzerland financed needle exchange and other harm reduction programs, which reduced the spread of HIV within the drug scene (Somaini and Grob, 2012). 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? The plan ensures improving health and wellness for the entire U.S. population, including those groups disproportionately affected by disease and injury, such as tobacco free living, preventing drug abuse and excessive alcohol use, healthy eating, active living, injury and violence free living, reproductive and sexual health, mental and emotional well-being. I will support all aspects of the Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis by fighting for their implementation. 13. Please tell us anything else you’d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. In the United States, viral hepatitis afflicts 3.5 million to 5.3 million Americans [1]. The vast majority, an estimated About 65 %-75% are not knowledgeable that they carry Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV), respectively [1]. Thus, continued research and prevention strategies of HBV and HCV transmission are essential as the associated co-morbidities are alarming: ●About 15-40% of infected persons will develop liver cirrhosis [2, 3]. ●Viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver transplantation in the United States [4]. ●Risk factors, such as HIV, excessive alcohol use, and fatty liver disease associated 84

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS James Cargas (continued) with obesity and diabetes enhance the risk for development of liver disease and in tthe effects of viral hepatitis, hastening. â&#x2014;?The etiology for increased prevalence and incidence rates for liver cancer over the last several decades, is due to viral hepatitis [5]. â&#x2014;?In the United States, viral hepatitis results in 12,000 to 15,000 deaths annually [6], and viral hepatitis-related illness, deaths, and costs are all expected to rise substantially in the coming years. Therefore, the high prevalence rates together with the associated comorbidities call for increased federal funding to the CDC, in particular the Division of Viral Hepatitis, as well as NIH, such as the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), which support basic and translational research in hepatitis B and C. The increased disease and economic burden call for increased research to protect Americans from the suffering and death-related viral hepatitis. The need for increased HBV and HCV research calls Congress to take action and support increased federal funding in these areas of research. 1. IOM (Institute of Medicine). Hepatitis and Liver Cancer: A National Strategy for Prevention and Control of Hepatitis B and C. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. At 21 (2010) 2. CDC. Recommendations for Identification and Public Health Management of Persons with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. 2008;57 (No. RR-8) 3. Lok AS, McMahon BJ. Chronic Hepatitis B. Hepatology2007; 45:507-539 4. Brown RS Jr. Hepatitis C and liver transplantation. Nature 2005;436:973-978. 5. Altekruse SF, McGlynn KA, Reichman ME. Hepatocellular carcinoma incidence, mortality, and survival trends in the United States from 1975 to 2005. J Clin Oncol 2009;27:1485--91. 6. Vogt T, Wise ME, Shih H, Williams IT. Hepatitis B Mortality in the United States, 1990-2004 [Abstract]. 45th Annual Meeting of Infectious Diseases Society of America, San Diego, CA; October 4-7, 2007

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: Candace Duval 2. Office candidate is seeking: Congressional District 21 Texas 3. Contact person: Ken Flippin 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 2206 trailside #202 City - austin State - texas Zip Code – 78704 5. Phone number: 5126279171 6. Email address: ken@candaceduval.com 7. Campaign website: candaceduval.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Increased 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nation’s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? No Response 13. Please tell us anything else you’d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. No Response 86

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

1. Name of candidate: Ben Easton 2. Office candidate is seeking: US House of Reps, District 17 - TEXAS 3. Contact person: Ben Easton 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 2901 Barton Skyway, #3106 City - Austin State - TX Zip Code - 78746 5. Phone number: (512) 417-4129 6. Email address: beneaston@beneaston2012.com 7. Campaign website: www.beneaston2012.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Decreased Explain: - While knowledge and research about viral hepatitis are extremely important, I am opposed to involving the government in this enterprise - on any level. While the role of the government, of course, is to protect life, liberty and property, I do not believe medicine and health sciences should be included in this view of proper government. I believe that PRIVATE, free market schools, universities, research institutes, and health care companies are the only appropriate resources to call upon for our health needs - besides, of course, good old fashioned home-grown remedies and a box of multi-sized Band-aids. Thus, I advocate the dissolution of the CDC, as well as ALL other government-subsidized and administered research institutes and programs. By the way, this does not mean that I don't value their work. I do! In fact I worked with and trained various personnel at the CDC while employed by a software company based in Austin, TX. I enjoyed the company of those with whom I dealt. Nevertheless, this complex of facilities needs a reality check, and the best one I know of is called private enterprise: the Free Market. 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? No I am opposed to all health-related laws other than those which relate to due diligence and the assumption of basic common sense liability for safety. It is already illegal to defraud, deceive, or foist unsafe conditions on workers, employees, customers, and innocent bystanders. No new regulations are necessary. What we really need is an Executive Branch of government that is willing to prosecute those who would knowingly and unnecessarily endanger others. And we need a Judicial Branch that is willing to call a spade a spade, and convict those who would treat general public safety lightly and ignorantly. Hundreds of millions of dollars ... and office buildings full of federal watchdogs won't help matters in the least. It will simply put us further into debt and further into irresponsible reliance on the Nanny State.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Ben Easton (continued) 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? No ABSOLUTELY NOT! It is a legislative abomination - an insult and crime of the highest order. Recently (late August 2012), I received a "Rebate" check from Aetna, my insurance provider. While I love getting checks in the mail, I was appalled to learn that this one was written and distributed to me as a result of the ACA (a.k.a. Obamacare). Something called the "80/20" Rule was being touted as the way to bring the Health Insurance Industry under control ... and the Federal Government was "helping" me by penalizing Aetna for not being efficient enough, for not keeping the ratio of revenue to benefits paid under some federally-mandated number. I called Aetna and told their representative that I would NOT be cashing this tainted check - that I would NOT be complicit in the strongarm tactics of an administration gone rogue. I TORE UP THE CHECK. Very simply, this is NOT the business of Government! This shows too well how clueless the Obama Administration (and perhaps most of Washington, D.C.) is regarding the role of proper government, the Constitution of the United States, and - most tragically - the nature of the Free Market. A free market - if you can find one! - will AUTOMATICALLY, NATURALLY, SPONTANEOUSLY adjust the desires and needs of the public, via the fundamental forces of Supply and Demand, and deliver the best services and goods to the most people with the most efficient allocation of goods and resources. If this is not what's happening (and I agree with most, by the way ... It ain't!), then the way to fix the problem is to DE-REGULATE the insurance industry. Quit telling them how to run their business! Let them THRIVE by attracting customers ... or FAIL by serving them poorly. If fraud is evident, then the Executive Branch must step in and do its job: prosecute, convict, and rehabilitate. If not, the industry will evolve back into the process of betting on actuarial risk & return, for which it was designed centuries ago. Insurance is NOT a ploy to guarantee anybody anything. It is a highly-technical game of hedging bets against catastrophes. Period. Deceiving a poorly-educated electorate (because they are mostly educated by government-run schools) by promising them Something for Nothing (or for Very Little) is a sleazy way of running a country. 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Support My support here may well be for a different reason than some other candidates, so let me be as clear as I can. If the federal government has chosen to NOT fund something that it had no business funding in the first place, then that is all well and good. It would be best if the Federal Government banned ALL FUNDING of health-related activities and medical research ... leaving these ventures in the private sector where they belong. I suspect, however, that Uncle Sam has banned this particular narrow activity because of its absurd stance on drugs relative to its stance on alcohol. I advocate the re-legalization of all drugs to law-abiding adults. Thus, discussing the relevance of the syringe exchange program is seen as a mere footnote to the much larger and more urgent issue of whether or not to prolong the idiotic "War on Drugs." When I was in high school, I learned the lesson of Prohibition (ref: Amendments 18 & 21). It is astounding to me that most of my fellow citizens did not. 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: To the degree that this illegitimate Agency of Government has devised a decent plan, I would of course advocate that we Americans heed the guidelines. However, I want to make it extremely clear that good guidelines to health and safety need not have come from the machinations of a government bureaucracy. I urge you to consider that any decent doctor, nurse, health care provider, scientist, or well-educated person would have arrived at the same conclusions! 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Ben Easton (continued) The point I hope I have made here is that the Federal Government is the LAST place from which I want to get my medical and health guidance. I trust my LOCAL, PRIVATE doctors. I trust PRIVATE research complexes. I trust the Free Market. The federal government needs to GET OUT of the medical and health insurance industries!

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

1. Name of candidate: Ethan Garofolo 2. Office candidate is seeking: US Congress, Texas District 31 3. Contact person: Ethan Garofolo 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - P.O. Box 6172 City - Round Rock State - TX Zip Code - 78683-6172 5. Phone number: (512)994-0677 6. Email address: ethan@ethangarofolo.com 7. Campaign website: http://ethangarofolo.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Same Explain: - Government is not the best vehicle for such important research and the federal government certainly has no constitutional authority to be involved in it. It saddens me that issues as important as this one are subject to the whims of politicians each election cycle. The only way to end that is to get it out of the political process. However, while I believe that, there is lower hanging fruit to address in the government's abuse of its constitutional limits. As a result, I do not see ending this particular overstep as a high priority in our current climate. 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? No I absolutely support eradicating these diseases. Congress can't balance a checkbook. How can they help in the fight against them or properly identify researchers who can? 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? No Unsure

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Ethan Garofolo (continued) The high prices of healthcare today are pure fantasy created by the modern health insurance industry. Even after adjusting for inflation, every other field of human endeavor gets cheaper over time. Healthcare is the one anomaly that gets more expensive over time. For example, do x-ray machines really get more expensive to operate as the years progress? I would pursue legal action against the fraud that is perpetrated daily by the rogue insurance companies. When consumer and provider are involved in price decisions, we'll see costs fall to where they should be. At that point, most people will be able to afford healthcare, and prices will be so low that charity can address the truly destitute. The ACA simply cements the insurance industry's stranglehold on paying for healthcare. The current boondoggle of overpaying for healthcare via insurance was created by government intrusion in the form of wage caps in the Great Depression era. MORE government involvement will not fix that problem. 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose Drug abuse should be treated as a medical problem and not a criminal one. A syringe exchange program would treat it as a medical issue. The War on Drugs is an abject failure. I would take money from it to treat drugs as a medical issue. 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: We should strongly fight all the dangerous misinformation floating around that vaccines are dangerous. I do not support increased surveillance and forced testing. Collecting anonymous data from doctors is fine. I would support and even submit legislation implementing the parts of the plan that have merit, and I would fund them through removing waste from other areas of government. Also, any money set aside for this plan, I would make sure other bills don't pilfer those resources in the same way that Congress has pilfered the Social Security fund for their other pet projects. 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. Education. Law will never be able to treat apathy and ignorance in the population. Starting as children people need to know how easy it is to prevent these diseases and how dire the consequences for not doing so. If someone shuns the responsibility of dealing with such a preventable disease, that constitutes a threat to others and is a criminal matter. It would be appropriate for government to respond to such willing neglect for others, and same as we do when someone commits assault or theft.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Name of candidate: William R. Hayward Office candidate is seeking: US Congress 28th District. Contact person: William R. Hayward Address, city, state, zip: 609 Oak Meadows, San Marcos, TX 78666 Phone number: 512-353-2220 Email address: williamhayward@mygrande.net Campaign website: http://haywardforcongress.wordpress.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/William-R-Hayward-Campaign/

2. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes No Unsure Explain: No!! because we can add this program to our US Military, US Government Contractors, VA, Medicare, Medicate, School Children, and SS health programs. Anyone who comes in contact with these programs would be screed/tested and treated for hepatitis B and C.

3. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes No Unsure Explain: Medicare, Medicate, and SS needs to be just fine tuned with fraud removed. Adjust these programs to include these things from Obama Care that meet the people health care needs. Women should not be required to have children to qualify for any of these programs. They would qualify by a Means Testing and work/training programs to find work though education, on the job training, and tax brakes to employers who hire them. Once they meet full 92

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

William R. Hayward (continued) employment and minimum Salary requirements they paying there fare share of taxes back to the system.

4. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Support band Oppose Unsure Explain: We need to get people off drugs and not encourage the use of Drugs. I believe in treatment with work training, education, and full employment. Should anyone be a VA or DAV then we should see that they get full treatment with housing, education, food, and full employment goals for our veterans who serviced our country.

5. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? By using our local health care programs though shot records and testing of prenatal care, Food Service Jobs, Bar/alcohol jobs, waiter jobs, housing keeping jobs, US Military, US Government Contractors, VA, Medicare, Medicate, School Children, and SS health programs Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. We need to put go back to the old system of everyone having a shot record with a list of shots, testing, and treatment for any type of health job/services (food, bar, waiter, cook, house keeping, etc..), Schools, US Military, US Government Contractor,VA, Medicare, Medicate, School Children, and SS health programs.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: Seth Hollist 2. Office candidate is seeking: US House of Representatives, TX district 32 3. Contact person: Seth Hollist 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - PO Box 830343 City - Richardson State - TX Zip Code – 75083 5. Phone number: 972-413-8932 6. Email address: info@hollist.org 7. Campaign website: http://seth.hollist.org 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Decreased Explain: - We have a huge federal budgeting deficit that requires us to be cut spending across the board. 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nation’s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? No People are welcome to get testing for whatever they feel the need to be tested for. What I don’t support is the Federal Government paying for it, or passing a bill for which Congress has not constitutional authority to authorize. 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? No It’s unconstitutional. Even the Supreme Court had to pretend that a “mandate” is actually a “tax” so they could somehow justify it under the Constitution; which is nothing more than judicial activism. The real problem with Health Care in this country is how we pay for it. We need to change this by expanding the use of tax free health care savings accounts, and getting the government out of our health care as it is government involvement that has made Health care appear more expensive than it really is. 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Support Again, we have a bloated federal budget that needs to be brought under control, by cutting funding of all nonessential government activities. Private organizations and charities do a much more efficient job administering such programs without federal funding strings attached.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Seth Hollist (continued) 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: I certainly won’t stop them from doing it. People don’t need congressional approval to raise awareness, and educate others. 13. Please tell us anything else you’d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. The biggest health problem I see in America today is the 80% of health care spending that goes to treating chronic illnesses. The vast majority of these illnesses are due to malnutrition. Even viruses are less effective when the body is healthy enough to combat them. To solve this I would get the USDA to stop telling people what to eat based on who’s agricultural business is being promoted or who’s lobbyists are handing out money, and have them actually start telling the truth about what foods have been shown many times in many way to be truly healthy for us.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Name of candidate: Max Martin Office candidate is seeking: U.S. Congress, Texas 36th District Contact person: Max Martin Address, city, state, zip 14303 Shannon Ridge Road, Houston, TX 77062 Phone number: (832) 498-8172 Email address: max@max4congress.com Campaign website: www.max4congress.com 1. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Increased Explain: The health of our country is directly related to the health of its citizens. Viral Hepatitis is a problem which should be aggressively addressed. 2. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes Explain: Viral Hepatitis is a problem which should be aggressively addressed. 3. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes Explain: The Affordable Care Act is not perfect, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good first step. 4. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose Explain: The syringe exchange program is a vital part of the prevention of Viral Hepatitis. 5. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html) . The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Max Martin (continued) How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Yes 6. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. Just within my own immediate family, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had a brother and cousin who contacted hepatitis C. The treatment was very long and disruptive. We need to make sure that health care is at the center of our concerns as a nation.

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: Dr. Shirley J. McKellar 2. Office candidate is seeking: U.S. Congress-District One Texas 3. Contact person: Ken Cobb Director of Communication 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 121 South Broadway Ave, Ste. 621 City - Tyler State - Texas Zip Code â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 75702 5. Phone number: (903) 787-8182 or (214) 679-1662 6. Email address: smckellar@votemckellar.com 7. Campaign website: www.votemckellar.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Increased 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes I have not read the full Act since there are so many pages. However, I am for insuring all Americans and driving down the cost of healthcare. Preventive medicine is the key to better health for all American. SJM!! 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Unsure However, if this program is implemented I am in favor of helping clients get off drugs and securing a productive life. SJM!!

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: Serve on the Health & Human Services Committee in Congress. 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. I have 45 years of healthcare experience and I am willing to use my expertise. SJM!!

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: Kesha Rogers 2. Office candidate is seeking: U.S. Congress, Texas-22 3. Contact person: Ian Overton - Campaign Manager 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 9100 SW Freeway, Ste. 241 City - Houston State - TX Zip Code â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 77074 5. Phone number: 713-830-9052 6. Email address: campaign@kesharogers.com 7. Campaign website: www.kesharogers.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Increased Explain: - I support increased funding for researching cures to diseases, the development of new treatments, and increased educational outreach programs. Overall, funding at the CDC has been cut recently, due to an insane logic in Washington that bailouts of Wall Street and European gamblers is more important than domestic, defense, and R&D funding. I do not know how these cuts have impacted DVH specifically. To sidestep the " budget cuts vs. tax increases" debate, we must first restore the GlassSteagall divisions in banking, and second, institute a new National Bank, which has full power to issue regulated, long term, low interest credit for capital investments in the physical economy. Such an overall approach to the long-term development of the economy as a whole will create an ample tax base, increase commerce, and prioritize the benefits of science rather over useless financial instruments. 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes I haven't read the bill as of September 24, 2012; however, unless there is some unusual clause in it that I disagree with when I do read it, I would likely cosponsor and vote for it.

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Kesha Rogers (continued) 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? No I will vote to repeal both the Affordable Care Act, and the 1973 Health Maintenance Organization Act, because both use financial cost of treatment as a reason to deny, or ration care. The faulty rationale of denying care using "cost effectiveness" methods has its precedent in the 1939 policy of Adolf Hitler, that there are some "lives unworthy of life", codified today as the Independent Payment Advisory Board. This is a crime against humanity, as levied against the Nazi doctors during their 1946 tribunal following WWII. I support a return to the 1945 Hill-Burton standard, which established basic standards for health care, such as a county hospital, minimum number of hospital beds per capita, and prioritized research and development of new technologies and medicines, as well as the training of more doctors, nurses and specialists. I also support Rep. Conyers' H.R. 676, for a universal single payer "Medicare for All" type system to ensure everyone has basic coverage. As this is a very large expense, we must understand that health care, like education, energy, or defense, is only one aspect of a national economy. To create the revenue for such a program, we must launch a national economic mobilization pivoted on an industrial gear up of society that employs upwards of 14 million people. I have a program for this, called the North American Water and Power Alliance XXI, combined with NASA's manned and unmanned space program, which is detailed on my website's policy page (http://kesharogers.com/node/31). By bolstering the physical production of our economy as a whole, we increase the wages and living standards of people, so they are more able to afford care, but also have fewer diseases related to poverty. 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Support Studies on the effectiveness of needle exchange programs vary over the years. What seems clear from sifting through these, whether pro or con, is that while the programs do slightly lower the transmission of HIV and hepatitis among people who use the program. However, getting people off their addiction would accomplish the same thing much more directly. So needle exchange seems more like treating a symptom than a cause. I would rather focus our funds and efforts on the underlying addiction rather than simply going after a secondary problem on its own. In many cases, addiction is a symptom of a dead end society, the solutions to which I have pointed out in other answers. 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: I oppose the ongoing budget cuts, including the automatic sequestration planned for 2013, which will continue slashing the funding for the CDC and NIH, while I support increasing funding for scientific discovery overall. To carry out your research and development, educational outreach, and programs, you need the funding. 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. 101

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

Kesha Rogers (continued) I have not had much experience. I have been fortunate enough to participate in panels of organizations that are strongly focused on awareness, education, and prevention, as well as, making the community aware of resources for those infected or affected by diseases such as HIV, STD, Hepatitis B&C, Diabetes, Hypertension, and Obesity. I believe that these resources are very critical for a strong, healthy, and productive society. I believe that dealing with many of these diseases will require a strong commitment to a change in the moral values of our society and a commitment to progress.

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RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Name of candidate: Office candidate is seeking: Contact person: Address, city, state, zip Phone number: Email address: Campaign website:

Tim Rusk U.S. Representative, Texas District 24 Tim Rusk P.O. Box 300, Bedford, TX 76040 817-268-2525 tim@TimRuskforCongess.com TimRuskforCongess.com

1. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Unsure: Probable the same. Explain: There are a lot of diseases that need to be researched. I am not sure how to divide up the research dollars between them because I have not examined or heard from all the different organizations. I am not sure how to divide up the research dollars between them because I have not examined or heard from all the different organizations. 2. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Unsure Explain: Yes. But there are a lot of diseases that need to be researched. I am not sure how to divide up the research dollars between them because I have not examined or heard from all the different organizations. 3. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes 4. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Unsure Explain. I did not have the time to research the programs and meet your deadline. 5. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis 103

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Tim Rusk (continued) (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html) . The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? It will probably be best implemented through the Affordable Care Act. I support the ACA. 6. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. Healthcare is one of my priorities. On healthcare issues, including viral hepatitis, I believe in emphasizing prevention, early detection and treatment.

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RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: John Wieder 2. Office candidate is seeking: US Congress TX District 9 3. Contact person: Jernielyn Wieder 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 945 6th Ave. City - Port Arthur State - TX Zip Code â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 77642 5. Phone number: 409-983-6303 6. Email address: johnwieder@aol.com 7. Campaign website: www.johnwieder.org 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Decreased Explain: - Decreased, but have the groups targeted that need it. Have those that are at high risk groups tested and treated. 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes There is a problem let's fix it. 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Unsure My idea has always been as a safety net for all americans, if you need care and do not have insurance then you are covered by the government and then moved into private health care. Also for those who have ludicrist polices of very high deductibles, that there is some kind of sliding scale assistance made for health care for those with high deductibles. Example is 5000 dollar deductible, copay $35 for doctor visit, medicine cost $100, $135 toward deductible, enters hospital balance $4865 deductible due, based on sliding scale of current income all three figures could be subsidized. Coverage automatic at time of incident. 105

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS

John Wieder (continued) 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Unsure Drug use should not be subsidized. I need to pray about this one. 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html) . The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: Simple, by making the government the safety net for all americans. With public service announcements any one wanting to be checked could be checked an be automatically covered under affordable health care. I would advertise this with public services announcements. 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. See above answer.

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RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: Andrade, Joseph (D) 2. Office candidate is seeking: Congress, District 2, Utah 3. Contact person: Joe Andrade 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 949 Mill Creek Way City - Salt Lake City State - UT Zip Code â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 84106 5. Phone number: 801-706-6747 6. Email address: 2012andrade@gmail.com 7. Campaign website: www.2andrade.org 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Explain: - I am very supportive of measures and activities related to public health, including education, surveillance, testing, diagnosis, and treatment. I see this as part of a very comprehensive health care system and program, primarily of a single payer and even single provider nature. Details at: http://2andrade.org/life-health-andhealth-care/ It is inappropriate to take stands on specific budget amounts without knowing about the overall budget, the CDC budget, and the details of the specific programs. 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Unsure same as above 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes again, see: http://2andrade.org/life-health-and-health-care/ 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Unsure same as above. I do feel the War on Drugs is not very effective. I am supportive of considering entirely new approaches, including the program adopted by Portugal. See the book: Drugs without the Hot Air, David Nutt, UIT Cambridge, 2012. 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan?

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Andrade, Joseph (continued) Comments: By being very supportive of all such efforts and giving them as much public attention and exposure as possible. 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. I am concerned about all viral and other pathogenic diseases. I have a particular concern with long term liver disease and related problems due to the enormous drug consumption practices of the US population, including legal and over the counter drugs.

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RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: Soren Simonsen 2. Office candidate is seeking: US House of Representatives, Utah District 3 3. Contact person: Soren Simonsen 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - PO Box 526082 City - Salt Lake City State - UT Zip Code - 84152-6082 5. Phone number: 801-706-1055 6. Email address: mail@sorensimonsen.com 7. Campaign website: www.sorensimonsen.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Same Explain: - Until we get the federal deficit under control, I can't see increasing funding for even our most critical health programs. However, we must continue to find long-range solutions to health and human service challenges, and it's worth paying for. 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes I support many elements of the ACA, but I also know that this part of the solution only deals with insurance aspects of health care. We must continue to work toward access to care, and to address more preventive aspectsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;from environmental risks, to diet and physical activity, to greater access to information, education and resources. 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Unsure 109

RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS I'm not familiar enough with this issue to give an informed response. I would welcome additional input to help guide my future actions. 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? No Response 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. I have very little experience or expertise with viral hepatitis. It's an area that I would welcome information. Please share more information through my website: www.sorensimonsen.com. Or send an email to mail@sorensimonsen.com Thank you - Soren.

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RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Attached is the survey for Andre. We are both VoteKISS candidates, and as such can ONLY vote for 3 pre-written bills each election cycle if elected this November. Therefore Andre's answers are the same as mine, which I did on Survey monkey. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to complete this survey. Thank you, Laurel LaFramboise VoteKISS candidate Vermont US Senate www.votekiss.org Name of candidate: Andre LaFramboise Office candidate is seeking: Vermont US House Contact person: andre@votekiss.org Address, city, state, zip 117 Washington Turnpike, Chelsea VT 05038 Phone number: 802-685-3214 Email address: andre@votekiss.org Campaign website: www.votekiss.org 1. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Same Increased Decreased Explain: I am a VoteKISS (Vote to Keep It Short and Simple) candidate. I represent three pre-written bills instead of empty promises or vague opinions, and if elected I will ONLY vote for pre-written bills each election cycle. Therefore my personal opinion on issues not included in the 3 bills are irrelevant. Having said this, the question pertains to funding, and my contract with VoteKISS allows me to vote for an appropriations bill ONLY IF the first VoteKISS bill, a US Constitutional Amendment, passes Congress with a 2/3 vote in both Houses and is sent to the states for ratification. If this happens, I would probably vote for an appropriations bill that either level funds programs or eliminates programs that would be considered unconstitutional if the VoteKISS constitutional amendment is ratified by the states. 2. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components.

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RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Andre AND Laurel LaFramboise

(continued)

Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes No Unsure Explain: VoteKISS candidates may only vote for 3 pre-written bills; the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act is not one of them. 3. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes No Unsure Explain The VoteKISS bills handles healthcare issues by making employers constitutionally responsible for paying for the full cost of labor, including healthcare with a lifetime cap for each employee and 1 dependent. The 2nd VoteKISS bill repeals Obamatax and replaces it with a requirement that employers automatically transfer a percentage of each employees' wages to a health savings account owned and managed by the employee, which spills into a retirement savings account if unused for minor healthcare. The employer is also required to pay private catastrophic health insurance with a lifetime cap of $1 million--owned and managed by the employee. Employees budget minor and lifetime health benefits--not the insurance company, the employer, or government! Government medicare pays private catastrophic health insurance ONLY for those who can't work full time--the elderly and disabled--and medicaid pays for the indigent over their lifetime cap. Non profits and charities provide services for those who CAN work. The federal government also provides healthcare watchdog services--which would mean the Center for Disease Control and Prevention would be one of the few national programs to survive the VoteKISS constitutional amendment which restricts the federal government from competing with or supporting the private sector. Government also is constitutionally required to pay for basic education and can specify content required to be taught; therefore educating people about hepatitis may be included in a VoteKISS appropriations bill. 4. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Support Oppose Unsure Explain VoteKISS candidates may only vote for 3 pre-written bills; personal opinions on any other issues are therefore irrelevant.

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Andre AND Laurel LaFramboise

(continued)

How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? If the Action Plan doesn't fit within the details of the VoteKISS healthcare reform bill, it would be considered unconstitutional via the VoteKISS US constitutional amendment. 6. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. My 58 year old brother-in-law learned a few years ago he had hepatitis contracted from a tattoo he got as a teenager. Is the epidemic caused by the hordes getting tattoos or the hordes using illegal drugs? Either way, the VoteKISS solution provides healthcare benefits to all who work or can't work, with only those who can work but aren't employed, dependents, wealthy or indigent left to seek treatment with charitable organizations.

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RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Name of candidate: Mark Gibson Office candidate is seeking: U.S. House, Virginia, 11th District Contact person: same Address, city, state, zip: P.O. Box 2183, Fairfax VA 22031 Phone number: Email address: Mark@Gibson4congress2012.com Campaign website: www.Gibson4congress2012.com

1. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Same Increased Decreased Explain: I support increased funding for CDC, allowing CDC managers to direct funding where needed. 2. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes No Unsure Explain: I support increased funding for CDC, allowing CDC managers to direct funding where needed. 3. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes No Unsure Explain: I support the tenets of insurance coverage contained within PPACA, but it needs revision to provide greater focus on cost savings and outcome-based care. One-third of healthcare spending is wasteful; implementation of state-by-state government-run insurance exchanges does not address/affect that waste. 4. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Support Oppose 114

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Mark Gibson (continued) Unsure Explain: I support syringe exchange programs as an effective measure to curtail disease and pathogen transmission. 5. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Make sure that project and system management best practices are applied. 6. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress.

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RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: James P. "Jim" Moran 2. Office candidate is seeking: US House of Representatives (VA-08) 3. Contact person: Mary Moran 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 311 North Washington St., Suite 200L City - Alexandria State - VA Zip Code - 22314 5. Phone number: (703) 299-0064 6. Email address: mmoran@moranforcongress.org 7. Campaign website: www.JimMoran.org 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Increased 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: I support coordination among appropriate government agencies, as well as funding for public outreach and education programs. 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. My office has worked closely with advocacy groups and state and local officials on these issues. I look forward to continuing that relationship as we advocate for efforts to increase diagnoses and access to care. 116

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Name of candidate: G. Gail Parker Office candidate is seeking: US House Virginia Congressional District 1 Contact person: Gail for Rail Parker Address, city, state, zip 5904 Mt Eagle Dr #1118, Alexandria, VA 22303 Phone number: 703-960-5602 or 571-282-8381 (mobile) Email address: ggailparker@cox.net Campaign website: www.GailParker.us 1. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Same Increased Decreased Explain: I appreciate very much the informative fact paper on Hepatitis infections. Now I am concerned and have more questions: How contagious is the infection? How is it transmitted? Are there tests to identify the infections? Why are infected persons not being detected and treated? Why is this disease not being addressed by the health care community? This issue is not the issue that compelled me to run for public office and I am open to positive solutions. I am unable to make commitments to any programs at this time, given the fiscal crisis and the necessity to address the crisis if I were to be elected. In general, I favor prevention programs. Your questions should more appropriately be addressed to the incumbent, since without action in Congress the sequestration appears to be poised to take effect in January 2013. Although not yet enacted, the version of the current proposed legislation that I read attempts to deal with the Budget Control Act, the Sequestration Replacement Reconciliation Act - H.R. 5652 – but effectively eliminates from sequestration the very programs that are causing a large portion of the National debt that the Budget Control Act seeks to control: the US Department of Defense funding and the war effort. HR 5652 repeals PART II--Consumer Choices and Insurance Competition Through Health Benefit Exchanges Section 1311a “Affordable Choices of Health Benefit Plans” and repeals Section 4002, which provides funding for preventive programs through grants. These cuts I do not support. I favor programs which encourage prevention of health problems and encourage a healthy citizen population, preferably funded through appropriations to state government rather than through grants. 2. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nation’s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes No 117

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G. Gail Parker (continued) Unsure Explain: I appreciate very much the informative fact paper on Hepatitis infections. Now I am concerned and have more questions: How contagious is the infection? How is it transmitted? Are there tests to identify the infections? Why are infected persons not being detected and treated? Why is this disease not being addressed by the health care community?

This issue is not the issue that compelled me to run for public office and I am open to positive solutions. I am unable to make commitments to any programs at this time, given the fiscal crisis

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RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 1. Name of candidate: Mary Baechler 2. Office candidate is seeking: Congress 3. Contact person: Mary Baechler 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - PO Box 739 City - Yakima State - Wa Zip Code - 98908-8028 5. Phone number: 509 9612792 6. Email address: mmbaechler@gmail.com 7. Campaign website: maryforcongress.org 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Increased 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose

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RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? Comments: I promise to read it; however it may be several weeks before I have time. I suffered with hepatitis B 25 years ago ( will never forget it) and I believe we need a comprehensive plan. 13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. No Response

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1. Name of candidate: Dick Muri 2. Office candidate is seeking: House of Representatives, WA-10 3. Contact person: Dick Muri 4. Address, city, state, zip Address - 116 Lila Street City - Steilacoom State - WA Washington Zip Code â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 98388 5. Phone number: (253)581-5609 6. Email address: dick@DickMuri.com 7. Campaign website: www.dickmuri.com 8. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Same 9. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Unsure 10. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? No Repeal and replace with a bipartisan bill. One that includes tort reform (a must for my vote), insurance competition across state lines, increased portability, more provisions for health care accounts, and allows children to stay on parents health care plans until age 26. 11. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Oppose As a nine year member (twice chairman) of the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department (2004 - 2012), I have supported our needle exchange programs. 12. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html). The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? 121

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Dick Muri (continued) Comments: I have not read the plan.

13. Please tell us anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. Education is the best prevention.

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RESPONSES TO THE 2012 NVHR CANDIDATE SURVEY ON VIRAL HEPATITIS Name of candidate:

Dan Matthews

Office candidate is seeking: Contact person: Address, city, state, zip Phone number: Email address: Campaign website:

House of Representatives, 2nd Congressional Dist., Washington State Rich Matthews, manager P.O. Box 12457, Everett, WA 98206-2457 425-422-3577 manager@danmatthewsforcongress.com www.danmatthewsforcongress.com

1. In Fiscal Year 2012, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was funded at $29.7 million. Do you support the same, increased, or decreased funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for viral hepatitis testing, surveillance and education programs and adult vaccination programs that include: Hepatitis A and B vaccinations? Same Increased – X Decreased Explain: Let’s double the current funding proposals, especially public education programs 2. The Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2011 (H.R. 3381/S. 1809) is a bipartisan bill that would expand the nation’s fight against hepatitis B and C by authorizing $110 million over five years to implement a comprehensive screening initiative with surveillance, education, and linkage to care components. Do you support the Viral Hepatitis Testing Act? Yes – X No Unsure Explain: Increased funding is vital to get on top of this fight! How about that much per year! 3. Do you support the Affordable Care Act? If not, what are your ideas for expanding access to health care for uninsured Americans? Yes No – X Unsure Explain – The ACA was poorly designed and poorly implemented; has too many weaknesses and dangerous aspects – it needs to be totally redone: start over and do this right… we have the best health care system in the world, turning it over to the federal government to run is the worst step we could take. We can do much better than this, and we must – immediately. Let’s get the politics out of this process and address the multitude of issues honestly and objectively. This should not be a partisan football, but an imperative requiring statesmanship and integrity. 4. Do you support or oppose the current federal funding ban on syringe exchange programs? Support – X Oppose 123

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Dan Matthews (continued)

Unsure Explain – I am concerned about enabling destructive behavior, at any level. 5. In May, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hepatitis/index.html) . The plan outlines a series of goals and activities to combat the hepatitis B and C epidemics. How would you help ensure implementation of the Action Plan? We have both the capability and obligation to address this, and many other, healthcare issues with a renewed commitment and effort – and view this as the “war” that it represents. This issue threatens our society and needs to be explained – widely, and then addressed broadly. This is why I support a doubling (or much more) of the proposed expenditures and perhaps an extensive expansion of the NIH and the DVH at CDC capability(s) in order to better deal with all infectious diseases. 6. Please tell us anything else you’d like us to know about your experiences with viral hepatitis and/or your ideas for addressing the epidemic if you are elected to Congress. We had a personal friend die of Hepatitis-related liver failure and know, first hand, the human tragedy represented. It is time we commit – as a nation – to lead the world in the fight against such scourges. We can eradicate such diseases – just as was done with smallpox – IF we would commit to doing so. We are preparing to buy a new pair of Air Force One aircraft from Boeing, at a cost of $310 million plus – each. WE can, NO, we must, do no less for this disease.

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